In Depth MRI review: This is unique to our practice, as Dr. Pazmino was once a 3rd grade teacher, he will ensure you will understand your films completely by the time you leave our office…This is a Spine Cal guarantee

Cutting edge technology

Ultra-fast recovery

Concierge Medicine

Satisfaction

Results

Quality

Stunning Technology

Disc arthroplasties have adopted crucial aspects from total joint arthroplasties of the hip and knee and adopted these for placement in the cervical and lumbar spine. The implant was developed using the clinically proven ball and socket concept used in joint replacement implants for over 40 years. The Prodisc-C implant is composed of three components – two cobalt chrome alloy (CoCrMo) endplates and an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) inlay.

Ball and Socket Design

Designed from the ground up this offers a Semi-constrained design which provides a fixed center of rotation. This allows for a controlled dynamic motion through the physiological range of motion. Furthermore this prevents pure translational motion to theoretically protect the facets from excessive shear loading.

Different anatomical combinations facilitate accurate match with the patient’s anatomy

6 different footprints for Dr. Pazmino to choose from and customize your disc replacement:

Medium, Large and Extra Large sizes with “deep options” (same width with 2 mm more in depth)

3 different heights: 5, 6 and 7 mm heights

Straightforward Operation in Experienced Hands

Dr. Pazmino can perform this through his standard anterior cervical approach. This enables him clear visualization into the disc space. Through this procedure Dr. Pazmino limits distraction forces on surrounding anatomical structures.

Artificial Disc Replacement

A Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement is the new treatment for a degenerated or herniated disc.

Dr. Pablo Pazmino may consider Cervical disc replacement surgery in patients with cervical disc herniations or cervical disc degenerations who have not responded to non-surgical treatment options and when these symptoms are significantly affecting the individuals' quality of life and ability to function.

Dr. Pablo Pazmino may recommend an artificial disc surgery instead of an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion in certain patients. The advantages of the artificial cervical disc replacement include:

Maintaining normal neck motion

Eliminating comorbidities associated with Cervical fusions

Replicate physiologic kinematics

Anatomic custom fit

Rigorous pre-clinical testing

Eliminating the need for a bone graft

Early postoperative neck motion

Faster return to normal activity

Return to sports

Return to work

The indications for a cervical disc replacement include symptomatic cervical disc, which may be causing arm pain, arm weakness or numbness with some degree of neck pain. Click here for further information on degenerated and herniated discs.

The standard surgical procedure for a disc replacement is an anterior (From the front of the neck) approach to the cervical spine. The affected disc is completely removed including any disc fragments or bone spurs. The disc space is prepared to relieve pressure on the nerves. This will improve or eliminate arm pain which was present prior to surgery. With this procedure after the discectomy is performed, an artificial disc replacement is placed in the disc space and either spikes or a keel are used to stabilize the spine. This eliminates painful motion from the involved disc and eliminates the comorbidities associated with a fusion. Complete range of motion is achieved within 2-12 weeks. Patients are not required to wear a soft collar, unless needed for comfort while driving. The patient typically can go home within 24 to 48 hours with minimal activity limitations.

Cervical Hybrid Arthroplasty

A Cervical hybrid artificial disc replacement is the new treatment for a degenerated or herniated disc in a patient with a prior fusion (prior ACDF, Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion). With this procedure after the discectomy is performed, an artificial disc replacement is placed in the disc space and either spikes or a keel are used to stabilize the spine. At a prior level there has already been a fusion performed or can be performed during our procedure. This combination of arthroplasty and fusion eliminates painful motion from the involved disc and eliminates the comorbidities associated with a fusion. Complete range of motion is achieved within 2-12 weeks. Patients are not required to wear a soft collar, unless needed for comfort while driving.

We have done research on our initial outcomes with cervical arthroplasty and presented these findings at national and international meetings. If you are interested in our outcomes please read our findings in the research section.

Each of these surgical procedures is performed with the patient under general anesthesia. They may be performed on an outpatient basis or require an overnight hospital stay. You should be able to return to work in 2 to 6 weeks after surgery.

Research on the Horizon

The future of artificial disc replacement technology will likely include significant advancements in the design of implants, tools for diagnosis of the source of pain, and other approaches to regenerating the disc to normal function.

Newer Cervical artificial disc replacements are on the horizon as a new treatment for a degenerated or herniated disc in a patient with a prior fusion. Dr. Pablo Pazmino has been active in at least 3 artificial disc replacement studies. He is currently the primary investigator for the Depuy Discover cervical arthroplasty. We are now recruiting patients for a clinical trial involving cervical arthroplastay.

Dr. Pablo Pazmino is the Principal Investigator for the Discover Cervical Arthroplasty from DePuy. This is an ongoing clinical trial and we are currently recruiting patients with cervical pathology for entry into the study. With this procedure after the discectomy is performed, an artificial disc replacement is placed in the disc space and spikes are used to stabilize the new disc to the spine. The arthroplasty eliminates painful motion from the involved disc and eliminates the comorbidities associated with a fusion. Complete range of motion is achieved within 2-12 weeks. Patients are not required to wear a soft collar, unless needed for comfort while driving. To find out if you qualify contact us via telephone or email.

When Should You Seek Medical Care?

If severe pain occurs following an injury (motor vehicle accident, diving accident, or fall), a trained professional, such as a paramedic, should immobilize you to avoid the risk of further injury and possible paralysis. Emergent medical care should be sought immediately.

Immediate medical care should also be sought when an injury causes pain in the neck that radiates down the arms and legs.

Radiating pain, or numbness in your arms or legs which causes weakness in the arms or legs without significant neck pain should also be evaluated.

If there has not been an injury, you should seek a Spinal Evaluation with Dr. Pablo Pazmino when pain is:

Continuous and persistent

Severe

Accompanied by pain that radiates down the arms or legs

Accompanied by headaches

Accompanied by numbness, or tingling

Accompanied by weakness!

Many patients seek care for Artificial Disc Replacement pain by Dr. Pablo Pazmino because as an Orthopaedic surgeon he is specifically trained to diagnose, treat, and help prevent problems involving the muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. Although Dr. Pablo Pazmino confines his practices to Spinal pathology he also treats a wide variety of diseases, injuries, and other conditions, including Degenerated Disc.